Taking clues from the successful implementation of RFID by medical and retail companies, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are looking more seriously at how RFID can add to the bottom line, according to the Information Technology Solution ...
Taking clues from the successful implementation of RFID by medical and retail companies, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are looking more seriously at how RFID can add to the bottom line, according to the Information Technology Solution Providers Alliance (ITSPA). Dallas-based ITSPA is an alliance that helps SMBs understand how technology can help them succeed.
"RFID solutions adopted by medical and retail enterprises integrate seamlessly with workflow and business process automation software," said ITSPA President Russell Morgan. "This trend is encouraging SMBs to turn their focus to RFID technology and how it can potentially reduce and even eliminate inefficiencies in the supply chain that cost millions of dollars each year."
Last year a Gartner Dataquest study reported that 49% of "inventory-intensive" SMBs in the U.S. will have a wireless tracking solution such as RFID by the end of 2005. The study also revealed that RFID could reduce location errors by 90%, increase productivity by 12-15% and decrease inventory-counting time by 40%.
ITSPA offers tips for those seeking out RFID technology solutions:
Be informed: Learn what other manufacturers are doing.
Investigate ROI: Do a cost benefit analysis as RFID can be expensive.
Partner with Solution Providers: Work with the pros.
Have a long-term view: Standards are changing and the field is growing quickly.